Tragic Grizzly Bear Attack Claims Lives of Canadian Couple and Their Dog in Banff National Park

A tragic incident occurred in Alberta’s Banff National Park on Friday night when a grizzly bear attacked and killed two people and their dog. The victims were a Canadian couple and their dog, according to Kim Titchener, the founder of Bear Safety and More and also a friend of the family.

Parks Canada said in a statement on Saturday night it had received an alert late Friday from a GPS device indicating a bear attack in the Red Deer River Valley west of Ya Ha Tinda Ranch in Banff National Park. At about 8 p.m. on Friday, Parks Canada Dispatch in Banff National Park received an alert of a bear attack from a GPS device.

Titchener, who provides training on bear safety and bear behavior, said the couple had been unable to use a helicopter because of poor weather conditions and had travelled through the night to reach the location.

Parks Canada said in a statement that the bear had been killed and the investigation is ongoing. The agency is also working with the family of the victims to provide support and assistance.

This is the second fatal grizzly bear attack in North America since July. Parks Canada is reminding visitors to be aware of their surroundings and to take necessary precautions when travelling in bear country. They recommend carrying bear spray, making noise, travelling in groups, and avoiding areas with fresh bear sign.